MANILA, Philippines — The next administration should pursue projects that will ensure the public’s safety and rights, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Undersecretary Epimaco Densing III recommended Monday.
These projects are the Safe Philippines Program, which installs closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras, and the expanded use of body cameras during police operations.
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“Ang isang pinakamalaking kontrata na hindi na namin tinuloy dahil medyo na-late po ‘yung funding: ito ang ating Safe Philippines Program,” Densing said on TeleRadyo’s On the Spot.
(The biggest contract that we did not pursue because of the late release of funding is the Safe Philippines Program.)
“Babanggitin po namin ‘yan during the turnover briefing namin sa papasok na secretary ng DILG na may programang ganoon. Nasa sa kanila na po ‘yan kung gusto nilang ipagpatuloy pero highly recommended po ‘yun,” he went on.
(We will mention it during the turnover briefing with the incoming DILG secretary. It is up to them if they will continue it but it is highly recommended.)
As to the use of body cameras during operations, Densing pushed for their continued use under the next administration, noting that it is the “most important project” that should be carried on as it will determine any human rights violation.
Densing said that the purchase of body cameras had already started last year under the leadership of then Philippine National Police chief General Guillermo Eleazar.
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He, however, said that there are still some police who have yet to receive their body cameras.
“I would think the body cam is the most important project or program that should be installed in the next administration,” he said.
“Isa-suggest din po natin ‘yan sa susunod na administrasyon kung pwede ipagpatuloy at palawigin ang paggamit ng body cam ng ating mga kapulisan,” said Densing.
(I will also suggest to the next administration if they could continue and expand the use of body cameras of the police.)
Based on the unofficial electronically transmitted results, former senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. is the presidential race leader with 31.1 million votes.
Presumptive president Marcos selected his campaign manager and former Metropolitan Manila Development Authority chair Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos Jr. as the next interior chief.
READ: Marcos campaign manager Abalos to become DILG chief